The Natural Resources Careers Conference (NRCC) is a one week educational and recreational summer program for high school students from across Maryland who are interested in pursuing a career in forestry and natural resources management.  NRCC is presented by the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards and the Maryland Forestry Board Foundation in partnership with the Maryland Forest Service and Allegany College.
Held at the Hickory Environmental Center in Garrett County, NRCC combines classroom and field activities to create an extensive and relevant curriculum developed by natural resources professionals and dedicated volunteers.  Tree identification, forest ecology, reforestation, forest measurements, land use and planning for natural resources, soil and water conservation, wildlife habitat improvement, GIS and GPS technology, urban forestry, and fisheries management are some of the subjects covered.  There are field trips that explore a paper mill and state parks, and there is a college night where students can talk to representatives from natural resources programs from several colleges and universities.
Students successfully completing the conference also have the opportunity to earn two college credits from Allegany College of Maryland and to compete for $500 scholarships.

This co-educational conference provides a real opportunity for high school students interested in a career in natural resources to learn directly from industry professionals and to develop contacts that could lead to future employment.

Student attendees are selected from applications to the local Forestry Boards.  Each county Forestry Board is able to sponsor up to two students from their local area, and the Board provides a scholarship for each sponsored student so that they may attend the conference at no cost.  Lodging and meals are provided for the week, along with all necessary field equipment and transportation to off-site activities during the conference.

The Washington County Forestry Board encourages any local high school student with an interest in natural resources to apply for NRCC.  Student applications, current curriculum, and other information about NRCC can be found at the following links - 

Student application

Curriculum                     

Brochure

To see pictures of many NRCC activities, visit the following -

NRCC video 

NRCC powerpoint slide show   

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